Asheville Chamber announces 2015-2016 Board of Directors

July 1, 2015
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has named its 2015-2016 board of directors and appointed Suzanne DeFerie of Asheville Savings Bank as chair.

DeFerie was inducted during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting held June 25th at the U.S. Cellular Center and succeeds outgoing chair, Ben Hamrick of Johnson Price Sprinkle PA.

“As board chair, I’m really looking forward to being able to continue our collaboration with businesses of all sizes,” DeFerie said.  

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has named its 2015-2016 board of directors and appointed Suzanne DeFerie of Asheville Savings Bank as chair.

DeFerie was inducted during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting held June 25th at the U.S. Cellular Center and succeeds outgoing chair, Ben Hamrick of Johnson Price Sprinkle PA.

“As board chair, I’m really looking forward to being able to continue our collaboration with businesses of all sizes,” DeFerie said.  

Video shared at the Annual Meeting captured thoughts from Hamrick and DeFerie on the Asheville Chamber's role as a catalyst in creating an environment for business in Asheville and building community.  The video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg8EnTWxwfM

Executive Committee

Chair:

Ms. Suzanne DeFerie, Asheville Savings Bank

Immediate Past Chair:

Mr. Ben Hamrick, Johnson Price Sprinkle PA

First Vice Chair:

Ms. Tracy Buchanan, CarePartners Health Services          

Second Vice Chair/Vice Chair Convention & Visitors Bureau:

Mr. Himanshu Karvir, Holiday Inn Biltmore West

Treasurer:

Mr. Pat Carver, First Citizens Bank

Secretary/Vice Chair Economic Development:

Mr. W. Louis Bissette, Jr., McGuire, Wood & Bissette, PA

President:

Ms. Kit Cramer, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Legal Counsel:

Ms. Michelle Rippon, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Chair Audit Committee:

Mr. David Worley, David G. Worley, CPA, PA

Vice Chair Public Policy:

Ms. Carolyn Coward, The Van Winkle Law Firm

Vice Chair Member Services/Small Business:

Ms. Laura Webb, Webb Investment Services

Directors

Ms. Leah Ashburn, Highland Brewing     

Mr. David Belcher, Western Carolina University

Mr. Justin Belleme, JB Media Group

Mr. John Delaloye, Diamond Brand Outdoors

Mr. Charles Frederick, TD Bank

Dr. Mary Grant, UNC Asheville

Mr. Rick Guthy, Wicked Weed Brewing

Dr. Jeffery Heck, MAHEC

Mr. Steve Linton, Deltec Homes

Mr. Michael Meguiar, GE Aviation

Mr. Chuck Pickering, Biltmore Company

Mr. Jay Richardson, New Belgium Brewing

Ms. Carol Steen, MAHEC

Ms. Wendy Whitson, Wendy Whitson Fine Art Paintings

Mr. John Winkenwerder, South Asheville Hotel Associates, LLC

Ex-Officio Members

Chair, Economic Development Coalition for Asheville/Buncombe County:

Ms. Taylor Foss, Mission Health

Mayor, City of Asheville:

Ms. Esther Manheimer

Chairman, Buncombe County Commission:

Mr. David Gantt

Chairman, Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority:

Ms. Paula Wilber, Biltmore

Chair, Young Professionals of Asheville:

Mr. Jeff Joyce, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

About the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization with 1,800 member businesses and organizations. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business.

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For Media Inquiries please contact: Erin Leonard, Director of Communications, 828-258-6131